Wait on the Lord….
I don’t know about you, but there are times when I have to wait….and wait…and wait…for something. The worst is in traffic, when you want to be somewhere at a certain time and you cannot be there OR or want something at a certain time and you cannot get it.
Yet, when I read Psalm 27:14, Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and he will strengthen your heart, it gives me comfort. Then, when I read Matt 6:33 that says, Seek 1st His Kingdom and His Rightousness, and all these things will be added unto you….it makes me think about how seeking God and waiting happen at the same time. You seek God, chase after Him, persue Him, WHILE you are waiting. God will meet all the needs you have. Just seek Him 1st…and wait. Hope you all have a great day!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
The Most Important Thing
Love.
God is love.
Love is the most important thing. IF we want to live like Jesus-then we have to love God and love others. Over everything. No matter what.
I went to a conference last week and one of the lessons was about how important love was.
When we get too busy to love people, we are too busy. When we get too holy to love unsaved OR saved family members, friends, siblings, co-workers, waiters, coaches, teachers...we are too busy!
If you read any of the gospels, you will find that Jesus was interrupted many times by people that needed something from Him. You can also read that He taught many times to love others more than yourself-more than anything. You are supposed to give them anything they ask for-no questions asked!
5:38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 45 5:39 But I say to you, do not resist the evildoer. 46 But whoever strikes you on the 47 right cheek, turn the other to him as well. 5:40 And if someone wants to sue you and to take your tunic, 48 give him your coat also. 5:41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, 49 go with him two. 5:42 Give to the one who asks you, 50 and do not reject 51 the one who wants to borrow from you.
5:43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ 52 and ‘hate your enemy.’ 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemy and 53 pray for those who persecute you, 5:45 so that you may be like 54 your Father in heaven, since he causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 5:46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Even the tax collectors 55 do the same, don’t they? 5:47 And if you only greet your brothers, what more do you do? Even the Gentiles do the same, don’t they? 5:48 So then, be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
How is that for Radical Love? How is that to literally empty yourself for others? Really-if Christians fid this, people would be drawn to us-like the Bible says-we woulb be a light.
Are we though? Do we really act any different then just a "nice person"? There are plenty of nice people. We need to be radical. We need to show radical love-wanting nothing in return.
Lord, I pray that all of us will take these verses to heart. I pray we would do anything for others-no excuses.No holding back. If we really want to be like Jesus-I pray we would follow by Your example and Your teachings. Amen
To check out more about our church, visit http://www.crosspointechurch.tv/ministries.html
God is love.
Love is the most important thing. IF we want to live like Jesus-then we have to love God and love others. Over everything. No matter what.
I went to a conference last week and one of the lessons was about how important love was.
When we get too busy to love people, we are too busy. When we get too holy to love unsaved OR saved family members, friends, siblings, co-workers, waiters, coaches, teachers...we are too busy!
If you read any of the gospels, you will find that Jesus was interrupted many times by people that needed something from Him. You can also read that He taught many times to love others more than yourself-more than anything. You are supposed to give them anything they ask for-no questions asked!
5:38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 45 5:39 But I say to you, do not resist the evildoer. 46 But whoever strikes you on the 47 right cheek, turn the other to him as well. 5:40 And if someone wants to sue you and to take your tunic, 48 give him your coat also. 5:41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, 49 go with him two. 5:42 Give to the one who asks you, 50 and do not reject 51 the one who wants to borrow from you.
5:43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ 52 and ‘hate your enemy.’ 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemy and 53 pray for those who persecute you, 5:45 so that you may be like 54 your Father in heaven, since he causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 5:46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Even the tax collectors 55 do the same, don’t they? 5:47 And if you only greet your brothers, what more do you do? Even the Gentiles do the same, don’t they? 5:48 So then, be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
How is that for Radical Love? How is that to literally empty yourself for others? Really-if Christians fid this, people would be drawn to us-like the Bible says-we woulb be a light.
Are we though? Do we really act any different then just a "nice person"? There are plenty of nice people. We need to be radical. We need to show radical love-wanting nothing in return.
Lord, I pray that all of us will take these verses to heart. I pray we would do anything for others-no excuses.No holding back. If we really want to be like Jesus-I pray we would follow by Your example and Your teachings. Amen
To check out more about our church, visit http://www.crosspointechurch.tv/ministries.html
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Leadership
21 Questions Leaders MUST Wrestle With!
I got this from a Pastor named Perry Noble...good stuff!
#1 – Do I understand who I am? James 1:1 – notice James didn’t identify himself as the brother of Jesus…but rather His servant! WOW!
#2 – Do I understand that ministry IS NOT easy? James 1:2-4 (when the writer BEGINS with these verses that’s a big time sign!)
#3 – Do I understand that I should spend more time on my face before God rather than worshipping the FACEBOOK God when seeking direction? James 1:5
#4 – Do you think that James is trying to get a point across…it’s not going to be easy…but we are called to be “in it to win it!” James 1:12
#5 – Do I understand it’s not IF I am tempted, but when…and IF I give into it then something WILL die? James 1:13-15
#6 – Do I understand that I am NOT THAT GOOD…that everything is a gift? James 1:16-18
#7 – HOW many bad decisions, arguments and misunderstandings could be avoided if we all simply memorized and applied James 1:19-20? (Also see James 1:26)
#8 – Do I understand I am not called just to preach the Word…but live it? James 1:22
#9 – Do I understand that showing favoritism WILL be a temptation…but I must always war against it? James 2:1-4
#10 – Do I understand that I am called to live and lead by faith…and if I am not taking steps of faith in my life and ministry then my faith is DEAD? James 2:14-26
#11 – Do I understand the weight of James 3:1? WOW!!!
#12 – Do I fully understand that when I become envious and selfish then that is simply the beginning of the end? James 3:13-18
#13 – Do I have the proper motives in regards to leading this ministry? James 4:1-3
#14 – Am I being opposed by God or is He offering me grace? James 4:6
#15 – Am I using my platform (whether it is speaking or the internet) to falsely attack, accuse and twist people’s words around? James 4:11-12
#16 – Do I understand my days are numbered, that I’ve got one shot at this life and I need to do all that I can to honor the One who called me? James 4:13-17
#17 – Do I understand that there are seasons of growth and seasons of preparation…and in those seasons of preparation I should not become impatient, but rather wait on God? James 5:7-8
#18 – Do I understand that integrity HAS to be a priority in my life and ministry? James 5:12
#19 – Do I understand that I cannot do this alone, that I need accountability in my life? James 5:16
#20 – Do I fully comprehend James 5:17-18…that Elijah was just like one of us? He literally called fire down from heaven! He prayed for rain…and it rained! I want THAT kind of faith!
#21 – Do I understand that ministry is messy…that I am called and expected to have tough conversations with the person that the Lord places on my heart, but in doing so the potential is unlimited? James 5:19-20
I got this from a Pastor named Perry Noble...good stuff!
#1 – Do I understand who I am? James 1:1 – notice James didn’t identify himself as the brother of Jesus…but rather His servant! WOW!
#2 – Do I understand that ministry IS NOT easy? James 1:2-4 (when the writer BEGINS with these verses that’s a big time sign!)
#3 – Do I understand that I should spend more time on my face before God rather than worshipping the FACEBOOK God when seeking direction? James 1:5
#4 – Do you think that James is trying to get a point across…it’s not going to be easy…but we are called to be “in it to win it!” James 1:12
#5 – Do I understand it’s not IF I am tempted, but when…and IF I give into it then something WILL die? James 1:13-15
#6 – Do I understand that I am NOT THAT GOOD…that everything is a gift? James 1:16-18
#7 – HOW many bad decisions, arguments and misunderstandings could be avoided if we all simply memorized and applied James 1:19-20? (Also see James 1:26)
#8 – Do I understand I am not called just to preach the Word…but live it? James 1:22
#9 – Do I understand that showing favoritism WILL be a temptation…but I must always war against it? James 2:1-4
#10 – Do I understand that I am called to live and lead by faith…and if I am not taking steps of faith in my life and ministry then my faith is DEAD? James 2:14-26
#11 – Do I understand the weight of James 3:1? WOW!!!
#12 – Do I fully understand that when I become envious and selfish then that is simply the beginning of the end? James 3:13-18
#13 – Do I have the proper motives in regards to leading this ministry? James 4:1-3
#14 – Am I being opposed by God or is He offering me grace? James 4:6
#15 – Am I using my platform (whether it is speaking or the internet) to falsely attack, accuse and twist people’s words around? James 4:11-12
#16 – Do I understand my days are numbered, that I’ve got one shot at this life and I need to do all that I can to honor the One who called me? James 4:13-17
#17 – Do I understand that there are seasons of growth and seasons of preparation…and in those seasons of preparation I should not become impatient, but rather wait on God? James 5:7-8
#18 – Do I understand that integrity HAS to be a priority in my life and ministry? James 5:12
#19 – Do I understand that I cannot do this alone, that I need accountability in my life? James 5:16
#20 – Do I fully comprehend James 5:17-18…that Elijah was just like one of us? He literally called fire down from heaven! He prayed for rain…and it rained! I want THAT kind of faith!
#21 – Do I understand that ministry is messy…that I am called and expected to have tough conversations with the person that the Lord places on my heart, but in doing so the potential is unlimited? James 5:19-20
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Forgiveness
Luke 7:47 (MSG) Impressive, isn't it? She was forgiven many, many sins, and so she is very, very grateful. If the forgiveness is minimal, the gratitude is minimal.
Have you ever heard those stories of people that were addicted to drugs? Alcoholics? Gamblers? Sexually impure?
THEN-they have a GOD MOMENT-like Paul in the Bible-on their face blinded before God?
And everything changed.
OR-they have a God MOMENT-like 9 lepers in the Bible-healed from their disease and didn't even say thank you.
So what was the difference? How is is that people that have been forgiven and healed act like nothing ever happened?
1. They are not thankful.
SO many times in the Bible, it talks about giving thanks, being thankful, in all things bring praise, let everything that has breath praise the Lord. YET-time and again, we forget what God has done for us.
2. We focus on what we don't have instead of what we do have.
How much easier is it to write out a list of things that you need instead of things what you have? Our prayers usually are more requests than praises. Lord, I need this. Lord, give me this.
1. Asking for things is NOT wrong.
2. Asking for things without being thankful IS wrong.
3. Asking for things with a bad attitude IS wrong.
So-how do you become like Paul? How do you become thankful and full of gratitude?
1. Change your attitude.
Yes-be positive. Yes-be thankful. Yes-stop complaining. Yes-stop acting like everything in your life is wrong.
No-I am not saying that your life is perfect. No-I am not saying that life is easy. No-I am not saying that your challenges are more than I can even begin to comprehend.
Yes-I am saying that GOD KNOWS! Yes-God has a plan. Yes-God will see YOU through! Yes-You have the strength through Christ! Yes-all things work together for good. Yes-You can trust God with everything.
2. Stay in His Word.
Nothing and no one will fill your need except Jesus Christ. Matt 6:33 Seek Him and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.
3. Stay on your knees.
Phil 4:6-7 Don't be anxious about anything, but in everything...with prayer and thanks...present your requests to God...and He will give you peace!
Thank God. Stay close to God. Live for God.
Have you ever heard those stories of people that were addicted to drugs? Alcoholics? Gamblers? Sexually impure?
THEN-they have a GOD MOMENT-like Paul in the Bible-on their face blinded before God?
And everything changed.
OR-they have a God MOMENT-like 9 lepers in the Bible-healed from their disease and didn't even say thank you.
So what was the difference? How is is that people that have been forgiven and healed act like nothing ever happened?
1. They are not thankful.
SO many times in the Bible, it talks about giving thanks, being thankful, in all things bring praise, let everything that has breath praise the Lord. YET-time and again, we forget what God has done for us.
2. We focus on what we don't have instead of what we do have.
How much easier is it to write out a list of things that you need instead of things what you have? Our prayers usually are more requests than praises. Lord, I need this. Lord, give me this.
1. Asking for things is NOT wrong.
2. Asking for things without being thankful IS wrong.
3. Asking for things with a bad attitude IS wrong.
So-how do you become like Paul? How do you become thankful and full of gratitude?
1. Change your attitude.
Yes-be positive. Yes-be thankful. Yes-stop complaining. Yes-stop acting like everything in your life is wrong.
No-I am not saying that your life is perfect. No-I am not saying that life is easy. No-I am not saying that your challenges are more than I can even begin to comprehend.
Yes-I am saying that GOD KNOWS! Yes-God has a plan. Yes-God will see YOU through! Yes-You have the strength through Christ! Yes-all things work together for good. Yes-You can trust God with everything.
2. Stay in His Word.
Nothing and no one will fill your need except Jesus Christ. Matt 6:33 Seek Him and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.
3. Stay on your knees.
Phil 4:6-7 Don't be anxious about anything, but in everything...with prayer and thanks...present your requests to God...and He will give you peace!
Thank God. Stay close to God. Live for God.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Faith
James 2:14 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?
15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing,
16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?
17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.
18 Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”
This passage struck me today. The reason why is because we are raised to think one or the other. Salvation alone gets you to heaven OR Good Works gets you to heaven.
Ofcoarse, Salvation in Jesus Christ is how you have a relationship with Him, but if my faith is dead without works, what does that mean? How can some people say that they are Christians if they do not perform good deeds?
Here is the analogy that came to me.
Salvation is like a marriage.
1st step is:
1. You get married. Now once you are married. That's it. You can't say, "I am kinda married." Or "I think I am married." Once you are married, you are in! You are either married or not.
That is how salvation is. Once you accept Christ, are you in! You cannot say, "I kinda am saved". Or "I think I am saved." You are either saved, or not. There is no middle.
2. You give and take. Suppose you get married, but you never listen to the person. You never talk to the person. You never do anything for the person. And you are unfaithful to that person....are you REALLY married? Yes, you have the certificate and the ring, but let's face it, your marriage is dead. I wouldn't want to be in THAT kind of marriage.
This is like your relationship with God. Yes, you are saved once you ask Him into Your heart. But, if you never talk to Him(pray), and you never listen to Him (read your Bible), and never do anything for Him(good deeds), and are unfaithful,(putting anything before HIM), YOU RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD IS DEAD!
The wedding day is just the beginning of marriage. And Salvation is just the beginning of your walk with Christ. Your relationships are either inclining or declining.
I am not saying that you need to be Mother Teresa or live a perfect life. That is impossible. What I am saying is you need to be fruitful. Faith without works in dead. Your faith is dead unless you are DOING something for Christ. Just like your marriage is dead unless you are DOING something in the marriage.
So, instead of making excuses of why your relationship with God is not where you want it to be, DO SOMETHING. Don't blame it on the Pastor's "shallow teaching". Or your "busy schedule." Take the blame. Man up. You are responsible for YOUR relationships. No one else. YOU. So, like Nike says it: Just do it.
Start living OUT your faith. Stop talking and start doing. IN your relationship with God and others.
15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing,
16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?
17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.
18 Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”
This passage struck me today. The reason why is because we are raised to think one or the other. Salvation alone gets you to heaven OR Good Works gets you to heaven.
Ofcoarse, Salvation in Jesus Christ is how you have a relationship with Him, but if my faith is dead without works, what does that mean? How can some people say that they are Christians if they do not perform good deeds?
Here is the analogy that came to me.
Salvation is like a marriage.
1st step is:
1. You get married. Now once you are married. That's it. You can't say, "I am kinda married." Or "I think I am married." Once you are married, you are in! You are either married or not.
That is how salvation is. Once you accept Christ, are you in! You cannot say, "I kinda am saved". Or "I think I am saved." You are either saved, or not. There is no middle.
2. You give and take. Suppose you get married, but you never listen to the person. You never talk to the person. You never do anything for the person. And you are unfaithful to that person....are you REALLY married? Yes, you have the certificate and the ring, but let's face it, your marriage is dead. I wouldn't want to be in THAT kind of marriage.
This is like your relationship with God. Yes, you are saved once you ask Him into Your heart. But, if you never talk to Him(pray), and you never listen to Him (read your Bible), and never do anything for Him(good deeds), and are unfaithful,(putting anything before HIM), YOU RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD IS DEAD!
The wedding day is just the beginning of marriage. And Salvation is just the beginning of your walk with Christ. Your relationships are either inclining or declining.
I am not saying that you need to be Mother Teresa or live a perfect life. That is impossible. What I am saying is you need to be fruitful. Faith without works in dead. Your faith is dead unless you are DOING something for Christ. Just like your marriage is dead unless you are DOING something in the marriage.
So, instead of making excuses of why your relationship with God is not where you want it to be, DO SOMETHING. Don't blame it on the Pastor's "shallow teaching". Or your "busy schedule." Take the blame. Man up. You are responsible for YOUR relationships. No one else. YOU. So, like Nike says it: Just do it.
Start living OUT your faith. Stop talking and start doing. IN your relationship with God and others.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Quick Tips on how to NOT worry!
Worrying can have harmful effects on our lives. There really is no solution when you worry, it only creates more problems for yourself in the long run. Consider these four techniques on analyzing the situation at hand in order to minimize worry.
* Get all the facts
* Weigh all the facts - then come to a decision
* Once a decision is reached, act!
* Analyze the problem:
* What is the problem?
* What are the causes of the problem?
* What are the possible solutions?
* What is the best solution?
From: DALE CARNEGIE SUCCESS TIP OF THE WEEK.
* Get all the facts
* Weigh all the facts - then come to a decision
* Once a decision is reached, act!
* Analyze the problem:
* What is the problem?
* What are the causes of the problem?
* What are the possible solutions?
* What is the best solution?
From: DALE CARNEGIE SUCCESS TIP OF THE WEEK.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Perfect Life
How many of you have life perfect?
How many of you have challenges in your life?
How many of you wish something could be changed in your life?
How many of you wish a miracle would happen in your life?
How many of you said yes to 1 or ALL of these?
You are not alone. Everyone has problems. That's life.Get used to it.
I am NOT trying to come across and non-merciful.
What I AM trying to do it help you and I realize that you are not alone. It may not look the same, but we all struggle.
Here is what the Bible says:
1. Rejoice!
2. Think!
3. Confess!
1. Rejoice! Phil 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Yes, life will throw you unexpected things BUT you have to focus on the good stuff.
Ask yourself these questions:
1. What are you thankful for?
2. What are you proud of?
3. What are you excited about?
4. Who do you love?
5. Who loves you?
2. Think!
Phil 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-THINK about such things.
If you want to rejoice, you have to think about such things! Don't think about how bad your life is. Or was. Or is going to be....unless you want to have a miserable life. Stop. Think about what you are thinking about. Does it pass the Phil 4:8 test?
Ask yourself:
1. Is what I am thinking True?
2. Is what I am thinking Right?
3. Is what I am thinking Pure?
Go down the Philippians list..Anytime you start to think "Woe is me", focus on what is true, noble, right and pure! AND Rejoice!
3. Confess!
Confess to God and to others.
When you mess up, you need to ask for forgiveness.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Confessing brings healing! Look at the verse. Confess your sins...so that you may be healed.
I know there is a lot of trials in your life. Trust me. I don't have this "Rejoice always" down. I am learning too. This is just as much for me, as it is for you. This is a process of changing the way you think. It takes time.
What I DO know is that you cannot focus on the bad in your life.If you do, your life will be bad. You will be miserable. But, if you choose to focus on the positive, you will realize how blessed you really are. You will rejoice! You will think about the right things. You will confess when you need to-so that you can be healed!
Love you all. I would love to hear your thoughts :)
http://www.crosspointechurch.tv/ministries.html
How many of you have challenges in your life?
How many of you wish something could be changed in your life?
How many of you wish a miracle would happen in your life?
How many of you said yes to 1 or ALL of these?
You are not alone. Everyone has problems. That's life.Get used to it.
I am NOT trying to come across and non-merciful.
What I AM trying to do it help you and I realize that you are not alone. It may not look the same, but we all struggle.
Here is what the Bible says:
1. Rejoice!
2. Think!
3. Confess!
1. Rejoice! Phil 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Yes, life will throw you unexpected things BUT you have to focus on the good stuff.
Ask yourself these questions:
1. What are you thankful for?
2. What are you proud of?
3. What are you excited about?
4. Who do you love?
5. Who loves you?
2. Think!
Phil 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-THINK about such things.
If you want to rejoice, you have to think about such things! Don't think about how bad your life is. Or was. Or is going to be....unless you want to have a miserable life. Stop. Think about what you are thinking about. Does it pass the Phil 4:8 test?
Ask yourself:
1. Is what I am thinking True?
2. Is what I am thinking Right?
3. Is what I am thinking Pure?
Go down the Philippians list..Anytime you start to think "Woe is me", focus on what is true, noble, right and pure! AND Rejoice!
3. Confess!
Confess to God and to others.
When you mess up, you need to ask for forgiveness.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Confessing brings healing! Look at the verse. Confess your sins...so that you may be healed.
I know there is a lot of trials in your life. Trust me. I don't have this "Rejoice always" down. I am learning too. This is just as much for me, as it is for you. This is a process of changing the way you think. It takes time.
What I DO know is that you cannot focus on the bad in your life.If you do, your life will be bad. You will be miserable. But, if you choose to focus on the positive, you will realize how blessed you really are. You will rejoice! You will think about the right things. You will confess when you need to-so that you can be healed!
Love you all. I would love to hear your thoughts :)
http://www.crosspointechurch.tv/ministries.html
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